Many of you know that I was actively keeping a "Ship List" of all the various freighters that passed by the point. I have included my final list of 117 ships. I was able to photograph over 80% of all the ships listed so if you wish to see the ship, drop me an email and I can send you a picture!

WEATHER: It was a pretty brutal morning! Gale-force winds were out of the north along with frequent snow showers and very poor visibility. Skies were completely clouded over the whole day. The temperature was cooler today, it ranged from 1-3 Celsius. See the short video below of the wind and snow!

OVERALL MOVEMENT: The numbers today were higher than the previous several days due to the winds out of the north. The new winds brought nearly 500 migrants past the point. No species was seen every hour but Common Goldeneye came the closest; seen 6 of the 8 hours. The most numerous species was also Common Goldeneye with 200+ counted. In fact, Common Goldeneye was the last species tallied this fall!!

DUCKS & GEESE: Surprise surprise, a last MALLARD flew by the point this morning! Scoter numbers were thin; only 6 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS passed by. Otherwise, COMMON GOLDENEYE (200+), BUFFLEHEAD (80+), and LONG-TAILED DUCK (8) were counted. Over 70 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen in addition to 10+ COMMON MERGANSERS.

LOONS & GREBES: I can't remember the last day that Common Loon was missed, but it happened today! However, 2 RED-THROATED LOONS passed overhead during the 4th hour. Over 15 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted but Horned Grebe was not seen today.

No raptors or shorebirds were seen today.

The only other non-waterbird species seen from the beach today were SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, and an AMERICAN PIPIT. Today ties the late date for American Pipit here at Whitefish Point.

This concludes the Fall 2007 Waterbird Count at Whitefish Point. Look for one last post here in a couple minutes.....

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

WEATHER: The winds started as moderate out of the west but they later shifted to strong out of the NW. Skies were completely clear for the first 4 hours but the last several were very cloudy and it actually downpoured during the last hour of the count. The temperature ranged from 8-10 Celsius before it started to drop late in the count.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: The numbers today were lower than expected, just about 200 migrants total. We were skunked the last two hours, no migrants passed by at all! Hence, no species was seen every hour but Red-breasted Merganser and Red-necked Grebe came the closest; seen 6 of the 8 hours. The most numerous species was Red-breasted Merganser with 50 counted.

DUCKS & GEESE: A couple flocks of SCAUP passed by totaling over 50 birds whereas scoter numbers were thin; only 5 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS passed by. Otherwise, COMMON GOLDENEYE (10+), BUFFLEHEAD (20+), and LONG-TAILED DUCK (4) were counted. Fifty RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen while only a few COMMON MERGANSERS were tallied.

LOONS & GREBES: It was very slow with loons today. One COMMON LOON and 1 RED-THROATED LOON passed during the first hour of the count. The westerly winds helped the grebes today; over 30 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted in addition to 1 HORNED GREBE.

RAPTORS: The only raptors seen today were a couple of RED-TAILED HAWKS (see photo below) and 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK.

Some of the other species seen from the waterbird shack included PINE GROSBEAK, BOHEMIAN WAXWING, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, and both DOWNY and HAIRY WOODPECKERS.

Tomorrow is the last day of the Fall 2007 Waterbird Count.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Snow is expected along with gusty north winds and a high near 34 F. Better dress warm!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

WEATHER: I knew it couldn't be true and in fact, it WASN'T sunny today like they forecasted! Skies were cloudy, visibility was good, and winds were strong out of the SW. The temperature ranged from 4-11 Celsius. Late in the count, blowing sand became a problem as a gale kicked up out of the SW.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: Today seemed very average and actually, the total number of migrants seen today was within 5 of yesterdays total; about 260 birds. No species was seen every hour but Red-breasted Merganser and Red-necked Grebe came the closest; seen 5 of the 8 hours. The most numerous species was Bufflehead with 79 counted.

DUCKS & GEESE: A nice flock of 20+ SCAUP passed by during the 2nd hour. Only 4 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS passed by along with a BLACK SCOTER. Otherwise, COMMON GOLDENEYE (20+), BUFFLEHEAD (79), and LONG-TAILED DUCK (6) were counted. About 50 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen while only a few COMMON MERGANSERS were tallied.

LOONS & GREBES: Three COMMON LOONS and 1 RED-THROATED LOON passed by while over 10 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted.

SHOREBIRDS: A PURPLE SANDPIPER buzzed along the shore in the second hour (about 9:25 AM). It was heading NW along the beach before it seemingly headed due north over the lake. It was not refound or relocated.

RAPTORS: With the southwest winds again today, a few raptors were seen. Species included BALD EAGLE (1), RED-TAILED HAWK (2), SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (1), and NORTHERN GOSHAWK (1 juvenile).

Some of the other species seen from the waterbird shack included PINE GROSBEAK, SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Skies are suppose to be cloudy, winds will be strong out of the west, and temperatures might reach the upper 40's F.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Highlights: BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE (1 adult!), SHARP-TAILED GROUSE (1)WEATHER: Winds this morning were moderate out of the southwest but they later shifted (and strengthened) to out the northwest. The count started with a thick bank of fog offshore but that burned off during the 4th hour. Skies remained cloudy or mostly cloudy the rest of the day. The temperature was rather steady, ranging only from 8-9 Celsius. The slightly warmer temperatures actually improved visibility dramatically.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: Compared to yesterday, today was pretty active! Although nothing staggering, Bufflehead had a good flight during the first couple hours. Over 260 migrants were seen total. Only one species was seen every hour: Red-necked Grebe. The most numerous species was Bufflehead with 104 counted.

DUCKS & GEESE: The only dabblers seen today were 2 MALLARDS. Seen 4 different hours, a total of 10 SCAUP passed by. Over 5 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS passed by along with 9 BLACK SCOTERS. Otherwise, COMMON GOLDENEYE (19), BUFFLEHEAD (104), and 27 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were counted. Over 10 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen while only a couple COMMON MERGANSERS were tallied.

LOONS & GREBES: Four COMMON LOONS passed by while over 35 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted. Their highest hour, the 8th, came along with the newly shifted winds out of the NW.

GULLS: A lone BONAPARTE'S GULL was seen in the second hour. The highlight of the day came in the 6th hour when an adult BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was seen! This is the second time this season that a rare adult has been seen at the point! It was seen well as it flew little off the tip before it eventually headed south.

RAPTORS: A few hawks got up later in the count, most likely a product of the southwest winds we had earlier today. Species seen included BALD EAGLE (1), RED-TAILED HAWK (2), ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (1), and NORTHERN GOSHAWK (1 juvenile).

Some of the other species seen from the waterbird shack included SHARP-TAILED GROUSE (1), PINE GROSBEAK, BOHEMIAN WAXWING (20+), SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Believe it or not, sunny skies are forecasted for tomorrow! It should be breezy with a high temperature near 51 F.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

WEATHER: Strong winds were out of the south, the skies were cloudy, and temperatures ranged from 7-8 Celsius. It didn't rain although the skies looked threatening early in the day. Visibility was moderate.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: SLOW would sum up today nicely. In fact, fewer than 60 migrants were seen total! No species was seen every hour but Long-tailed Duck and Red-breasted Merganser came the closest; seen 5 of the 8 hours. The most numerous species was Long-tailed Duck with 25 counted

DUCKS & GEESE: Although no dabblers were seen today, 1 GREATER/LESSER SCAUP was seen. Scoter numbers remained thin; only 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 1 BLACK SCOTER were counted. Otherwise, COMMON GOLDENEYE (7), BUFFLEHEAD (10), and 25 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were counted. Over 10 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and a couple COMMON MERGANSERS were also tallied.

LOONS & GREBES: A couple COMMON LOONS and 4 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted. There were no sightings of Red-throated Loon or Horned Grebe today.

RAPTORS: A few hawks got up later in the count, most likely a product of the south and southwest winds we've had today. Species seen included BALD EAGLE (4), RED-TAILED HAWK (4), ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (1), and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (1). The 11th of November is getting pretty late for Sharp-shinned Hawk, hence the "highlight".

Some of the other species seen from the waterbird shack included BOHEMIAN WAXWING (40+), SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, EUROPEAN STARLING (1), and DOWNY WOODPECKER.

The Townsend's Solitaire was not seen today.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Scattered showers before 1pm, a strong south wind, and a high near 47. However, the winds are forecasted to shift to NW tomorrow afternoon.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

WEATHER: Moderate winds were out of the south and southwest most of the day and the skies remained cloudy. Temperatures ranged from 3-7 Celsius and visibility was decent all day.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: The diversity today was rather average although the numbers were probably below-average. Over 370 migrants were seen total. No species was seen every hour but Long-tailed Duck and Red-breasted Merganser came the closest; seen 7 of the 8 hours. The most numerous species was Bufflehead with 190+ counted.

DUCKS & GEESE: Although no dabblers were seen today, about 15 SCAUP were seen. Scoter numbers remained thin; only 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 2 BLACK SCOTERS were seen. Otherwise, COMMON GOLDENEYE (40), BUFFLEHEAD (190+)), and nearly 50 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were counted. All three mergansers were seen today: 30 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 10 COMMON MERGANSERS, and 3 drake HOODED MERGANSERS.

LOONS & GREBES: Eight COMMON LOONS, 7 RED-NECKED GREBES and a HORNED GREBE were seen. There were no sightings of Red-throated Loon today.

GULLS: A young ICELAND GULL flew in and landed at the tip during the 7th hour. It later flew to the harbor (where it was relocated and photographed). Also at the harbor this evening was a young THAYER'S GULL.

RAPTORS: A BALD EAGLE and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK were seen during the count today.

A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was found inland today. Later in the day, it was seen perched on the "Merlin Pole" out near the beach.

Also found inland today after almost a week absence, the PRAIRIE WARBLER still lives!

During the first hour of the count, 3 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE flew over the shack. They seemed to have come from the beach and although I can't be certain, I believe they came in off the lake.

Some of the other species seen from the waterbird shack included BOHEMIAN WAXWING (30+), AMERICAN ROBIN (1), SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, PINE GROSBEAK, HAIRY WOODPECKER, and DOWNY WOODPECKER.

Friday, November 9, 2007

WEATHER: Winds were light out of the east and southeast most of today and skies were completely cloudy all day long. Temperatures ranged from 4-6 Celsius. Visibility was poor this morning but it eventually cleared somewhat.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: Today was pretty slow, perhaps due to the winds out of the east and southeast. Over 400 migrants were seen total and three species were seen every hour: Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, and Red-necked Grebe. The most numerous species was Long-tailed Duck with about 165 counted.

DUCKS & GEESE: No dabblers were seen today. About 15 Aythya were seen (some were Lesser Scaup). Scoter numbers remained thin; only 4 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 1 BLACK SCOTER were seen. Otherwise, COMMON GOLDENEYE (50+), BUFFLEHEAD (100+), RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (35), and almost 170 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were counted.

LOONS & GREBES: Four COMMON LOONS and 1 RED-THROATED LOON were seen today, all within the first 4 hours of the count. Over 10 RED-NECKED GREBES and a couple HORNED GREBES were also seen.

GULLS: A first-year GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was at the point during the 4th hour.

RAPTORS: A BALD EAGLE was seen in addition to a large FALCON species. By the time the falcon was seen, it was headed directly away from us and it never turned or banked.

Some of the other species seen from the waterbird shack included SNOW BUNTING, HORNED LARK, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, PINE GROSBEAK, RED CROSSBILL, HAIRY WOODPECKER, and DOWNY WOODPECKER.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: It should be mostly cloudy, calm winds, and a high near 42.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

WEATHER: We woke up to a fresh inch or so of wet snow this morning. The walk out to the shack this morning was beautiful, the snow was sticking to every twig and blade of grass. Snow fell for the first several hours of the count but it eventually switched to rain and then finally ended about halfway through the day. Skies remained completely cloudy, visibility was never great, and the winds were moderate out of the south. Temperatures ranged from 2-5 Celsius.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: Today seemed a little slow, probably due to the south winds. About 1000 migrants were seen total and one species was seen every hour: Long-tailed Duck. The most numerous species was Long-tailed Duck with about 700 counted.

DUCKS & GEESE: The only dabbler species seen today were AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (2) and MALLARD. Scoter numbers were down; only 3 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen. Otherwise, COMMON GOLDENEYE (about 40), BUFFLEHEAD (80+), COMMON MERGANSER (about 30), nearly 170 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, and a single HOODED MERGANSER were tallied. Almost 700 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were counted.

LOONS & GREBES: Two COMMON LOONS, 6 RED-NECKED GREBES, and a HORNED GREBE were seen.

GULLS: A juvenile BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was seen halfway through the second hour. It came wafting down along the beach through the snow, what a sight! This represents our third kittiwake this fall.

RAPTORS: A couple ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS came in off the lake. A MERLIN was also seen.

Some of the other species seen from the waterbird shack included SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, PINE GROSBEAK, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, MOURNING DOVE, and DOWNY WOODPECKER.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Rain and snow is likely along with a light southeast wind. Temperatures should reach 40 F. Accumulation of 1/2 inch of snow is possible.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

WEATHER: Today was the chilliest morning we've had so far, finally dipping below the freezing mark. Temperatures ranged from -1 to 3 Celsius. Winds were calmer than yesterday, that's for sure! Winds remained rather light out of the NW, skies were cloudy, and visibility was decent. We had several batches of flurries but nothing ever accumulated.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: The numbers today were decent, probably higher than expected at this time of year. Over 2000 migrants were seen total and FOUR species were seen every hour: Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, and Red-breasted Merganser. The most numerous species was Long-tailed Duck with over 870 counted.

DUCKS & GEESE: There was a nice variety today (even of dabblers). Species included AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (5+), MALLARD (5), NORTHERN PINTAIL (1), and GREEN-WINGED TEAL (4). All three Scoter species were seen; 15 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 3 SURF SCOTERS, and 10 BLACK SCOTERS were seen. It was a big day for COMMON GOLDENEYE with over 500 counted. Also, over 170 BUFFLEHEAD, over 230 COMMON MERGANSER, nearly 600 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, and a single HOODED MERGANSER were tallied. Almost 900 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were counted.

LOONS & GREBES: Five COMMON LOONS and a RED-THROATED LOON were tallied in addition to 16 RED-NECKED GREBES. A couple HORNED GREBES were seen most of the day in the bay.

RAPTORS: An adult BALD EAGLE was seen several times throughout the day.

The only other species seen from the waterbird shack were SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, and PINE GROSBEAK.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Rain and snow is likely along with a moderate southeast wind. Temperatures should reach the low 40's F. Accumulation of 1-2 inches of snow is possible.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

WEATHER: What a day! On the drive up to the point this morning, I had to stop and clear fallen trees! That was my first hint. The woods around me were just thrashing and my walk out to the shack was even a little eerie. The north winds out on the open beach were phenomenal, easily gusting over 50 mph. The storm surge had pushed water to within 30 meters of the shack whereas a normal day would be around 150 meters! Small pieces of driftwood were simply flying through the air. I wasn't worried about the shack blowing over or the windows collapsing inward, I was more worried about the size of the rocks that were air born and hitting the windows! Waves were between 15-20 feet high (see photo below). Temperatures ranged from 3-5 Celsius, skies remained cloudy, and visibility was decent (if it weren't for the water spray).

OVERALL MOVEMENT: The numbers today were definitely higher than the last several days, I imagine the gales out of the north really boosted their air speed!! Over 3000 migrants were seen total and two species were seen every hour: Long-tailed Duck and Common Goldeneye. The most numerous species was Long-tailed Duck with over 2600 counted.

DUCKS & GEESE: No dabblers were seen today. Scoter numbers were boosted a little; 40+ WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 3 BLACK SCOTERS were seen. Almost 400 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 10+ BUFFLEHEAD, and over 210 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen. Otherwise, LONG-TAILED DUCK (2600+) stole the show. Their numbers were fairly consistent throughout the day but with a little drop the last hour. Pictured below are 2 different male Long-tailed Ducks, the top photo being the typical winter plumage.

LOONS & GREBES: Five COMMON LOONS and 2 RED-THROATED LOONS were tallied in addition to 8 RED-NECKED GREBES.

RAPTORS: No raptors were seen today.

SHOREBIRDS: A lone, dark, small, mystery shorebird buzzed by in the 3rd hour.

The only non-waterbird species seen from the waterbird shack were SNOW BUNTING, HORNED LARK, and COMMON REDPOLL.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Snow is likely along with a moderate north wind and temperatures in the 30's F.

Monday, November 5, 2007

WEATHER: All 8 hours of the count today were rainy. The strong winds were out of the south for most of the count but the last couple hours were drastically different! The winds shifted to a brutal gale out of the NW late in the count and stayed that way until I stumbled off the point. The temperatures ranged from 4-7 Celsius (4 being recorded late in the count when the winds shifted). Visibility was limited much of the count due to the numerous rain showers and winds.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: The numbers today were low. Less than 150 ducks were seen total. No species was seen every hour but Long-tailed Duck came the closest, seen 7 of the 8 hours. The most numerous species was Dunlin (175) while the most numerous duck species was Long-tailed Duck (95+).

DUCKS & GEESE: The only dabblers seen today were 8 GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Scoter numbers were thin; only 7 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen. Otherwise, only LONG-TAILED DUCK (95+) and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (4) were seen.

LOONS & GREBES: Four COMMON LOONS and 4 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen. A lone HORNED GREBE was also tallied.

RAPTORS: No raptors were seen today.

SHOREBIRDS: A nice surprise, a flock of 175 DUNLIN came in and landed in a puddle at the point during the 5th & 6th hours. They departed within the hour.

The only other species seen from the waterbird shack were SNOW BUNTING, COMMON RAVEN, and COMMON REDPOLL.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: There is a 100% chance of snow showers tomorrow in addition to gales out of the north (winds up to 50 mph). High of 39 F. If you're brave enough to venture out to the point, you better bring your warm weather gear!

Sunday, November 4, 2007

WEATHER: It was an eerie morning; there wasn't a hint of wind when all of a sudden, a south wind kicked up and remained medium strength for most of the day. Skies were partly cloudy most of the day and only once did it sprinkle for a couple seconds. It was the coolest morning we've had so far, it was 0 Celsius at the start of the day but it eventually reached 10 Celsius.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: It was very slow today (a trend that will become more evident as the season wraps to an end in a couple weeks). Just over 100 migrant birds were seen total. No species was seen every hour but Red-breasted Merganser came the closest, seen 6 of the 8 hours. The most numerous species was Red-breasted Merganser 50+ seen.

LOONS & GREBES: Seven COMMON LOONS were seen whereas Red-throated Loons were missed today. Over 5 RED-NECKED GREBES and 7 HORNED GREBES were also seen.

RAPTORS: A MERLIN, NORTHERN HARRIER, and several ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were seen coming in off the lake today.

The tip remains a good spot to have PINE GROSBEAK, EVENING GROSBEAK, RED CROSSBILL, and BOHEMIAN WAXWING (30+). Some other species seen included SNOW BUNTING, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, HORNED LARK (2), and COMMON REDPOLL.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

WEATHER: The winds were very light out of the NW today. It was nice not having to be huddled behind the shack for once! Skies started out clear but became very cloudy in the 3rd and 4th hour. Several small batches of freezing rain came through but visibility remained decent and temperatures ranged from 7-9 Celsius.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: It was a pretty average day overall although I thought more migrants would pass by. Less than 300 migrant birds were seen total. No species was seen every hour but Long-tailed Duck and Red-necked Grebe came the closest, seen 7 of the 8 hours. The most numerous species was Long-tailed Duck with 150+ seen.

DUCKS & GEESE: The only dabblers seen today were 14 MALLARDS and 1 AMERICAN BLACK DUCK. About 15 AYTHYA passed by which included both LESSER and GREATER SCAUP. Over 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 1 SURF SCOTER, and 3 BLACK SCOTERS were seen. Otherwise, LONG-TAILED DUCKS (150+), COMMON GOLDENEYES (20), BUFFLEHEAD (20+), COMMON MERGANSER (9), and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS (60) were seen.

LOONS & GREBES: Two COMMON LOONS and 2 RED-THROATED LOONS were seen in addition to 25 RED-NECKED GREBES and 3 HORNED GREBES.

A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen today at the point by various observers. It was was last seen flying very high to the southwest.

A SHARP-TAILED GROUSE was seen several times from the waterbird shack today. At one point, the bird turned in flight and buzzed directly over us (10 feet up)!

A nice variety of northern species were tallied from the waterbird shack including PINE GROSBEAK, RED CROSSBILL, BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER, SNOW BUNTING, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, COMMON RAVEN, and COMMON REDPOLL.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Mostly cloudy with a chance of sprinkles. Wind will be light out of the SW and the high should be around 47 F.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Highlights: Not much in the way of waterbirds but PINE GROSBEAKS and BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen from the waterbird shack.

WEATHER: The winds were howling consistently out of the south all day. Skies were cloudy, visibility was decent, and temperatures ranged from 6-11 Celsius.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: It was a pretty average day overall but a few birds were definitely missing (such as scoters). Less than 500 migrant birds were seen total. One species was seen every hour: Red-breasted Merganser. The most numerous species was Long-tailed Duck with 300+ seen.

DUCKS & GEESE: The only dabblers seen today were 5 MALLARDS. About 20 AYTHYA passed by while 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and 2 "DARK-WINGED" SCOTERS were also counted. Otherwise, LONG-TAILED DUCKS (320+), COMMON GOLDENEYES (50), BUFFLEHEAD (4), COMMON MERGANSER (1), and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS (140+) were seen.

LOONS & GREBES: Over 10 COMMON LOONS and 9 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted. Red-throated Loon and Horned Grebe were not seen.

RAPTORS: The only hawks seen today were BALD EAGLE (1) and RED-TAILED HAWK (1).

Some of the other species seen from the waterbird shack included PINE GROSBEAK (25), BOHEMIAN WAXWING (8), COMMON GRACKLE (1), SAVANNAH SPARROW, SNOW BUNTING, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, COMMON RAVEN, and COMMON REDPOLL.

Below is a picture of a Pine Grosbeak at the feeders.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Partly sunny, a high near 48, and a moderate west wind.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Highlights: HARLEQUIN DUCK (1)WEATHER: It was a chilly start to the day with a temperature around 4 Celsius and gale-force winds out of the NW. Although the winds stayed out of the NW, the winds slowly weakened and the temperatures slowly rose t0 6 Celsius. One or two snow flakes were seen.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: The winds out of the northwest helped a couple species today, especially Common Goldeneye. Over 500 migrant birds were seen total. Notable absences included Red-throated Loon, Horned Grebe, and any dabblers. One species was seen every hour: Red-necked Grebe. The most numerous species was Common Goldeneye with 280+ seen.

DUCKS & GEESE: No dabblers were seen today. A female or juvenile type HARLEQUIN DUCK flew past the point during the 5th hour. Once reaching the point, it circled twice and then continued to the south. A few AYTHYA passed by in the third hour while 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and 1 SURF SCOTER were counted. Otherwise, 90+ LONG-TAILED DUCKS, over 280 COMMON GOLDENEYES, 80+ BUFFLEHEAD, and 200+ RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen.

LOONS & GREBES: Five COMMON LOONS and 35+ RED-NECKED GREBES were counted. Red-throated Loon and Horned Grebe were not seen.

RAPTORS: The only hawks seen today were a couple RED-TAILED HAWKS and NORTHERN GOSHAWKS.

The songbird diversity was low from the waterbird shack today. Species seen were SAVANNAH SPARROW, SNOW BUNTING, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, COMMON RAVEN, and COMMON REDPOLL.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Mostly sunny, a high near 52, and a breezy south wind.

WPBO Blogs

Scott Schuette

I'm a 2008 graduate in Environmental Science from the University of Arizona and then spent two seasons working as a bird guide on St. Paul Island in Alaska; but this year I decided to see what the Lower 48 had to offer me so here I am in a slightly warmer location looking for basically the same birds (minus the alcids and vagrants but plus the owls and warblers).

I've been an avid birder since I was a little kid and hopefully I've learned enough in those years to hold my own with all of you brave enough to sit out on the point with me this Fall!